U.S. patent application number 12/875134 was filed with the patent office on 2012-03-08 for multi-key electronic music instrument.
Invention is credited to Chia-Yen Lin.
Application Number | 20120055319 12/875134 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 45769694 |
Filed Date | 2012-03-08 |
United States Patent
Application |
20120055319 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Lin; Chia-Yen |
March 8, 2012 |
Multi-Key Electronic Music Instrument
Abstract
A multi-key electronic music instrument includes a main body and
a circuit board having an integrated circuit (IC). The main body
includes operational keys distributed in at least two rows and
functional keys. The IC saves at least seven electronic sounds
corresponding to music notes of Do, Re, Mi, Fa, So, La and Si in
the diatonic scale, functional programs and electronic games. Each
of the operational keys corresponds to at least one music note.
When one of the operational keys is pressed down, the IC generates
a sound corresponding to the music note. When the functional key is
pressed, the IC executes the corresponding function in the
functional programs, such as raising or lowering a tone of the
music note. When the electronic games are played, the operational
keys and the function keys are used as controlling keys to play
games.
Inventors: |
Lin; Chia-Yen; (Taipei,
TW) |
Family ID: |
45769694 |
Appl. No.: |
12/875134 |
Filed: |
September 3, 2010 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
84/744 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G10H 2220/261 20130101;
G10H 1/0016 20130101; G10H 2220/226 20130101; G10H 2220/066
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
84/744 |
International
Class: |
G10H 1/32 20060101
G10H001/32 |
Claims
1. A multi-key electronic music instrument, comprising: a main body
including at least seven operational keys and at least one
functional key disposed thereon, each of the operational keys
having a first conduction portion and the functional key having a
second conduction portion, the seven operational keys respectively
corresponding to music notes of Do, Re, Mi, Fa, So, La and Si in a
diatonic scale, and the seven operational keys being distributed in
at least two rows; and a circuit board having an integrated circuit
(IC), the circuit board being disposed in the main body and
comprising at least seven first electrical connection points
respectively corresponding to the first conduction portions of the
operational keys and at least one second electrical connection
point corresponding to the second conduction portion of the
functional key, the integrated circuit saving at least seven
electronic sounds corresponding to the music notes of Do, Re, Mi,
Fa, So, La and Si in a diatonic scale, and a plurality of
functional programs; wherein each of the first electrical
connection points corresponds to at least one of the music notes
and the second electrical connection point corresponds to the
functional programs, when the first conduction portion of one of
the operational keys electrically contacts with the corresponding
first electrical connection point, the integrated circuit generates
the electronic sound of the corresponding music note, and when the
second conduction portion of the functional key electrically
contacts with the corresponding second electrical connection point,
the integrated circuit executes at least one of the functional
programs.
2. The multi-key electronic music instrument as claimed in claim 1,
wherein the functional programs saved in the integrated circuit
comprise a program adapted for raising or lowering a tone of the
music notes.
3. The multi-key electronic music instrument as claimed in claim 1,
wherein the functional programs saved in the integrated circuit
comprise a program adapted for replaying a music saved in the
integrated circuit.
4. The multi-key electronic music instrument as claimed in claim 1,
wherein the functional programs saved in the integrated circuit
comprise a program adapted for selecting a function of the
electronic music instrument.
5. The multi-key electronic music instrument as claimed in claim 1,
wherein numbers, letters, words, or patterns are provided on
surfaces of the operational keys and the functional key.
6. The multi-key electronic music instrument as claimed in claim 5,
wherein the words provided on the operational keys are Do, Re, Mi,
Fa, So, La and Si.
7. The multi-key electronic music instrument as claimed in claim 1,
wherein the integrated circuit saves software of at least one
electronic game, the operational keys and the functional key serve
as controlling keys for playing the electronic game, and the main
body further comprises a power supply and game selection switch
electrically connected to the circuit board for turning on and
turning off power, and selecting the electronic game to play.
8. The multi-key electronic music instrument as claimed in claim 1,
wherein the main body comprises a volume switch electrically
connected to the circuit board for controlling the integrated
circuit to turn on and turn off an audio output and adjust volume
of the audio output.
9. The multi-key electronic music instrument as claimed in claim 7,
wherein the main body further comprises a setting and saving switch
electrically connected to the circuit board, when the setting and
saving switch is pressed a first time, the operational keys and the
functional key are at an editing state for playing music or the
electronic game, and when the setting and saving switch is pressed
a second time, the music or the electronic game is saved.
10. The multi-key electronic music instrument as claimed in claim
1, wherein the circuit board comprises a plurality of light
emitting units adapted for generating lights of predetermined
colors for predetermined time intervals corresponding to the
electronic sounds.
11. The multi-key electronic music instrument as claimed in claim
1, wherein the main body includes seven operational keys and two
functional keys arranged in a three by three matrix.
12. The multi-key electronic music instrument as claimed in claim
1, wherein the main body has a rectangular contour, and the
operational keys and the functional key are shaped in
rectangles.
13. The multi-key electronic music instrument as claimed in claim
1, wherein the main body has a triangular contour, and the
operational keys and the functional key are shaped in
triangles.
14. The multi-key electronic music instrument as claimed in claim
13, wherein the operational keys corresponding to the music notes
of Do, Re, Mi, Fa, So, La and Si are arranged from a top row to a
bottom row and from left to right or arranged from the top row to
the bottom row and from the right to the left.
15. The multi-key electronic music instrument as claimed in claim
11, wherein the operational keys corresponding to the music notes
of Do, Re and Mi are arranged from left to right at a top row of
the matrix, the operational keys corresponding to the music notes
of Fa, So and La are arranged from the left to the right at a
middle row of the matrix and the operational key corresponding to
the music note of Si is arranged at a bottom row of the matrix.
16. The multi-key electronic music instrument as claimed in claim
11, wherein the operational keys corresponding to the music notes
of Do, Re and Mi are arranged from right to left at a top row of
the matrix, the operational keys corresponding to the music notes
of Fa, So and La are arranged from the right to the left at a
middle row of the matrix and the operational key corresponding to
the music note of Si is arranged at a bottom row of the matrix.
17. The multi-key electronic music instrument as claimed in claim
11, wherein the operational keys corresponding to the music notes
of Do, Re and Mi are arranged from left to right at a top row of
the matrix, the operational keys corresponding to the music notes
of Fa, So and La are arranged from the right to the left at a
middle row of the matrix and the operational key corresponding to
the music note of Si is arranged at a bottom row of the matrix.
18. The multi-key electronic music instrument as claimed in claim
11, wherein the operational keys corresponding to the music notes
of Do, Re and Mi are arranged from right to left at a top row of
the matrix, the operational keys corresponding to the music notes
of Fa, So and La are arranged from the left to the right at a
middle row of the matrix and the operational key corresponding to
the music note of Si is arranged at a bottom row of the matrix.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention relates generally to an apparatus
which can be played as a musical instrument and can also be played
as an electronic handheld game.
[0003] 2. The Prior Arts
[0004] Although there are many toys available in the market, it is
difficult to find a lightweight and portable electronic music
instrument for children to play a melody thereon. Generally, a
conventional keyboard instrument, such as piano and electronic
organ, includes multiple keys and each of the keys corresponds to a
specific music note. Therefore, the keyboard instrument needs many
keys to cover several music notes. For example, almost every modern
piano has 36 black keys and 52 white keys. Inevitably, the keyboard
instrument is bulky, and therefore less portable.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] A primary objective of the present invention is to provide a
lightweight and portable electronic music instrument for children
to produce sound, compose music, play simple melodies and play
various electronic games as well.
[0006] In order to achieve the objective, the present invention
provides a compact electronic music instrument which can be easily
held by children. The electronic music instrument has a plurality
of keys including operational keys and functional keys distributed
in multiple rows. The rows of keys may be arranged in a matrix
layout or a non-matrix layout. Numbers, letters, words, or patterns
can be provided on the surfaces of the operational keys and the
function keys. Each of the operational keys corresponds to at least
one music note, such as Do, Re, Mi, Fa, So, La and Si. The
functional keys are adapted for adjusting a tone up or down. When
one of the operational keys is pressed down, a sound corresponding
to a specific music note is generated. The user can raise or lower
the tone of the sound by pressing the functional key. The
functional keys may also perform other functions, such as
replaying, inputting and setting. Thus, the electronic music
instrument according to the present invention allows the children
to compose music and play melodies.
[0007] According to the present invention, the electronic music
instrument includes a circuit board having an integrated circuit
(IC). The IC saves at least seven electronic sounds corresponding
to music notes in a diatonic scale and has preset functional
programs for ascending or descending the tones. When one of the
operational keys is pressed, the IC generates a sound corresponding
to a specific music note. The user can save a composed melody in
the IC and replay it later. In addition, the IC of the electronic
music instrument according to the present invention is adapted for
saving a plurality of software games. The user can select a game,
and uses the operation keys and functional keys to play the
selected game.
[0008] The electronic music instrument may include a volume switch
for turning on or shutting off an audio output of the IC, and
adjusting the volume of the audio output. The electronic music
instrument further includes a power supply and game selection
switch electrically connected to the circuit board. The power
supply and game selection switch allows the user to turn on/off the
power and select the game software. Moreover, the electronic music
instrument may further include a setting and saving switch.
[0009] According to an embodiment of the present invention,
numbers, letters, words, or patterns are provided on the surfaces
of the operational keys and functional keys for the children to
memorize or identify music notes.
[0010] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the
operational keys and the functional keys are arranged in a 3 by 3
matrix. The electronic music instrument may also include more than
nine keys that are arranged in a larger matrix. Alternatively, the
operational keys and functional keys may also be arbitrarily
arranged in a non-matrix layout.
[0011] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the
circuit board is further provided with a plurality of light
emitting units. The light emitting units are adapted for generating
various lights of certain colors for certain time intervals
corresponding to various electronic sounds.
[0012] Comparing with the conventional keyboard instrument, the
electronic music instrument according to the present invention
needs fewer keys, but still can play music across a wide range.
Moreover, the electronic music instrument is also provided with a
plurality of games, which are not available in the conventional
keyboard instrument.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0013] The present invention will be apparent to those skilled in
the art by reading the following detailed description of a
preferred embodiment thereof, with reference to the attached
drawings, in which:
[0014] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a multi-key electronic
music instrument according to a first embodiment of the present
invention;
[0015] FIG. 2 is a top view showing the electronic music instrument
according to the first embodiment of the present invention;
[0016] FIG. 3 is a side view showing the electronic music
instrument according to the present invention;
[0017] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional side view illustrating an inner
structure of the electronic music instrument according to the
present invention;
[0018] FIG. 5 illustrates an electrical connection configured by
pressing an operational key according to the present invention;
[0019] FIG. 6 is a top view showing a multi-key electronic music
instrument according to a second embodiment of the present
invention, which includes a triangular main body and nine
triangular keys; and
[0020] FIG. 7 is a top view showing the electronic music instrument
according to the first embodiment of the present invention, which
includes the operational keys marked with music notes of Do, Re,
Mi, Fa, So, La and Si.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0021] The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further
understanding of the present invention, and are incorporated in and
constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate an
embodiment of the present invention and, together with the
description, serve to explain the principles of the present
invention.
[0022] Referring to FIGS. 1 through 4, a multi-key electronic music
instrument according to the present invention is configured with a
compact size suitable for children to hold and play by hands. The
electronic music instrument includes a main body 1 and a circuit
board 2 having an integrated circuit (IC) 3 disposed inside the
main body 1. The main body 1 includes a plurality of keys with
seven operational keys 11 and two functional keys 11a disposed
thereon and distributed in a matrix layout. Each of the operational
keys 11 has a first conduction portion 111 disposed under the
operational key 11, and each of the functional keys 11a has a
second conduction portion 111a disposed under the functional key
11a. The operational keys 11 and the functional keys 11a may be
members discrete from each other or may be a single layer made of
silicone or rubber material. The surface of the single layer is
divided into a plurality of pressing zones, which include the
operational keys 11 and the functional keys 11a, by printed grids,
protruded ridges or recessed grooves.
[0023] The main body 1 has an inner space to receive the circuit
board 2, a battery chamber 16 and a speaker 17. The circuit board 2
is electrically connected with batteries disposed in the battery
chamber 16. A plurality of switches, such as a power supply and
game selection switch 12, a setting and saving switch 13 and a
volume adjusting switch 14, are arranged at a lateral side of the
main body 1. The circuit board 2 comprises a plurality of first
electrical connection points 21 corresponding to the first
conduction portions 111 of the operational keys 11 and a plurality
of second electrical connection points 22 corresponding to the
second conduction portions 111a of the functional keys 11a. The IC
3 saves at least seven sounds corresponding to seven music notes in
a diatonic scale including Do, Re, Mi, Fa, So, La and Si. The IC 3
also includes a plurality of functional programs. Each of the first
electrical connection points 21 corresponds to at least one music
note. Referring to FIG. 5, when one of the operational keys 11 is
pressed to make the first conduction portion 111 of the pressed
operational key 11 in contact with the corresponding first
electrical connection point 21, the IC 3 generates an electronic
sound corresponding to the pressed operational key 11 through the
speaker 17. When one of the functional keys 11a is pressed, the IC
3 would run the corresponding functional program. The volume switch
14 can control the IC 3 to turn on and turn off an audio output and
adjust the volume of the audio output. The functional programs have
functions including ascending tone of the music note, descending
tone of the music note, replaying melody, entering melody, setting
up functions, etc.
[0024] Referring to FIG. 1, when the operational keys 11 marked
with numbers 1-7 are pressed, electronic sounds corresponding to
music notes of Do, Re, Mi, Fa, So, La and Si are generated
respectively. When the functional key 11a marked with "#" or "b" is
pressed once, twice and three times, the IC 3 raises or lowers the
music note by a semitone, an octave and two octaves respectively.
For example, when the functional key 11a marked with "#" or "b" is
pressed once and one of the operational keys 11 is immediately
pressed thereafter, the electronic sound corresponding to the
pressed operational key 11 is generated with a semitone above or
below. When the functional key 11a marked with "#" or "b" is
consecutively pressed twice and one of the operational keys 11 is
immediately pressed thereafter, the electronic sound corresponding
to the pressed operational key 11 is generated with an octave above
or below. When the functional key 11a marked with "#" or "b" is
consecutively pressed three times and one of the operational keys
11 is immediately pressed thereafter, the electronic sound
corresponding to the pressed operational key 11 is generated with
two octaves above or below.
[0025] Furthermore, the functional keys 11a can also perform other
functions, such as replay, input and setting. For example, when a
functional key 11a corresponding to the replaying function is
pressed, the last played music is replayed. When a functional key
11a corresponding to the inputting function is pressed after
playing a melody, the played melody is saved in the IC 3. Further,
the functional key 11a can set miscellaneous functions, such as
setting the rhythm of the music. For example, the music can be
played in the rhythm of jazz, heavy metal, pop, rap, rock, etc. The
functional key 11a can also set other functions regarding the
electronic music instrument.
[0026] Numbers (i.e. FIGS. 1 and 2), letters, words, or patterns
can be provided on the surfaces of the operational keys 11 and the
functional keys 11a. As such, the user can easily memorize or
identify music notes. Referring to FIG. 7, "Do, Re, Mi, Fa, So, La
and Si" representing the music notes are provided on the surfaces
of the operational keys 11, and "#" representing a sharp and "b"
representing a flat are provided on the surfaces of the functional
keys 11a.
[0027] The operational keys 11 and the functional keys 11a
mentioned above are arranged in a 3 by 3 matrix. The operational
keys 11 are distributed in at least two rows. Based on the 3 by 3
matrix layout, the electronic music instrument may increase or
reduce the number of the keys according to the requirement. The
operational keys 11 and the functional keys 11a are not limited to
nine keys. The electronic music instrument may have only eight keys
arranged in a 3 by 3 matrix with one element missing. The
electronic music instrument may have ten keys that include nine
keys in a 3 by 3 matrix and one key positioned adjacent to the
matrix.
[0028] The operational keys 11 corresponding to the music notes of
Do, Re, Mi, Fa, So, La and Si may be arranged in various orders.
The operational keys 11 corresponding to the music notes of Do, Re
and Mi may be arranged from left to right or from right to left at
a top row of the 3 by 3 matrix. The operational keys 11
corresponding to the music notes of Fa, So and La may be arranged
from left to right or from right to left at a middle row of the
matrix. The operational key 11 corresponding to the music note of
Si may be arranged at a bottom row of the matrix.
[0029] In addition, for aesthetic perception, the circuit board 2
may further include a plurality of light emitting units 15 (e.g., a
light emitting diode, LED) disposed corresponding to the
operational keys 11 and functional keys 11a. The light emitting
units 15 are adapted for emitting various lights of certain colors
for certain time intervals corresponding to the music. The emitted
light transmits through the operational keys 11 and the functional
keys 11a made of light transmitting materials for achieving a
brilliant visual effect.
[0030] Facilitated with the setting and saving switch 13, the user
can practice to compose simple melodies and learn music when
playing a game. For example, there are functional programs saved in
the IC 3. After a user presses the setting and saving switch 13,
the IC 3 is in an editing state. The user plays a melody by
pressing operational keys 11 and the functional keys 11a, and then
presses the setting and saving switch 13 again to save the melody.
The preset functional program would save the played melody in the
IC 3. Thus, the user can practice to compose the music. The user
can replay the saved melody by pressing two certain operational
keys 11, two certain functional keys 11a, or one of the operational
keys 11 with one of the functional keys 11a at the same time. Then,
the preset functional program saved in the IC 3 would replay the
saved melody.
[0031] For better entertainment, the IC 3 may further include
software of at least one electronic game, such as "Whack the Mole",
"Bingo", "Memory game", "Tic-Tac-Toe", "Carousel Lamp", etc. When
the electronic games are played, the operational keys 11 and the
functional keys 11a work as control keys. Referring to FIG. 3, the
power supply and game selection switch 12 is provided at the
lateral side of the main body 1. The power supply and game
selection switch 12 is adapted for turning on/off the power and
selecting one of the games to play.
[0032] For example, after selecting the "Whack the Mole" game, the
operational key 11 and functional key 11a randomly flash and may
also generate an electronic sound. When the user successfully
presses the flashing key before it extinguishes, it is taken as the
user's successful hit of a mole and a different sound is generated
as a confirmation of hit.
[0033] For example, after selecting the "Bingo" game, the user
presses at least one operational key 11 or functional key 11a, and
then presses the setting and saving switch 13 to save the previous
selection. The user presses the setting and saving switch 13 again,
and then the operational keys 11 or the functional keys 11a emit
light one by one in a predetermined sequence for a random time
interval. Then the operational keys 11 and the functional keys 11a
stop flashing. At least one key 11, 11a is randomly picked by the
preset program and the picked key 11, 11a emits light. If the key
11, 11a picked by the preset program is the same as the previously
selected key 11, 11a pressed by the user, the user wins the Bingo
game.
[0034] For example, after the "Memory Game" is selected, the
operational keys 11 flash one by one in a randomly generated
sequence and the sound of the corresponding music notes is
generated. The flashing stops after a time interval. The user is
expected to press the operational keys 11 in the same sequence of
the previous flashed operational keys 11 and the generated sounds.
If the user presses the operational keys 11 in a correct sequence,
the user can play the next round of the Memory Game with a higher
level that has more flashed operational keys 11. If the user
presses the operational keys 11 in an incorrect sequence, the user
can play the next round of the Memory Game with a lower level that
has less flashed operational keys 11.
[0035] For example, after the "Tic-Tac-Toe" game is selected, a
first player selects to press one of the operational keys 11 or
functional keys 11a, and then the pressed operational key 11 or
functional key 11a emits light of a first color. Then, a second
player selects to press one of the other operational keys 11 or
functional keys 11a, and the pressed operational key 11 or
functional key 11a emits light of a second color. The two players
alternatively press the other operational keys 11 and functional
keys 11a in accordance with the foregoing order until one of the
two players successfully links the operational keys 11 or
functional keys 11a on the main body 1 into a straight line.
[0036] Further, for example, if the "Carousel Lamp" is selected,
the operational keys 11 and the functional keys 11a sequentially
flash and the sounds are generated for aesthetic and hearing
entertainment. The operational keys 11 and the functional keys 11a
extinguish after a predetermined time interval.
[0037] Referring to FIG. 6, an electronic music instrument
according to a second embodiment of the present invention includes
a triangular main body 1. The main body 1 includes nine triangular
keys, which have seven operational keys 11 marked with numbers 1-7
and two functional keys 11a marked with "#" and "b", disposed
thereon. When the operational keys 11 marked with numbers 1-7 are
pressed, electronic sounds corresponding to the musical notes of
Do, Re, Mi, Fa, So, La and Si in a diatonic scale are generated
respectively. When the functional key 11a marked with "#" or "b" is
pressed once and one of the operational keys 11 is immediately
pressed thereafter, the electronic sound corresponding to the
pressed operational key 11 is generated with a semitone above or
below. When the functional key Ila marked with "#" or "b" is
consecutively pressed twice and one of the operational keys 11 is
immediately pressed thereafter, the electronic sound corresponding
to the pressed operational key 11 is generated with an octave above
or below. When the functional key 11a marked with "#" or "b" is
consecutively pressed three times and one of the operational keys
11 is immediately pressed thereafter, the electronic sound
corresponding to the pressed operational key 11 is generated with
two octaves above or below. The operational keys 11 corresponding
to the music note of Do, Re, Mi, Fa, So, La and Si are arranged
from a top row to a bottom row and from the left to the right. The
operational keys 11 corresponding to the music note of Do, Re, Mi,
Fa, So, La and Si may also be arranged from a top row to a bottom
row and from the right to the left.
[0038] Although the present invention has been described with
reference to the preferred embodiments thereof, it is apparent to
those skilled in the art that a variety of modifications and
changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present
invention which is intended to be defined by the appended
claims.
* * * * *